Villa Monastero is a historic villa and botanical garden in Varenna, on the eastern side of Lake Como. The garden runs almost 2 km along the water from Varenna towards Fiumelatte, with uncommon Mediterranean and tropical species, statues, fountains and many spots with views of the lake and mountains. The villa began as a Cistercian nunnery in the 12th century. Its house museum has 14 rooms furnished with original pieces. Allow time for the garden walk, then go inside to see how the owners lived.
From convent to villa
The villa began as a Cistercian nunnery in the 12th century, a community of women honouring the Virgin. The nuns moved here from Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como, after repeated attacks and invasions by local warlords. After several centuries of relative calm, the nobleman Paolo Mornico bought the property. His family renovated the building, added two symmetrical arcades to the façade and turned a rural farmhouse into a guesthouse.
Later owners left their own marks. Walter Kees finished the renovations between 1897 and 1909 and gave the villa the eclectic style visible today. In 1939 the villa became public property. The house museum was recognised by the Lombardy Region in 2004.
Inside the house museum
The house museum has 14 rooms furnished with original pieces. The decoration includes carved wood, marble work, paintings and tapestries.
Some rooms are grand and others more unusual. Among the unusual touches are a sunken bath, 19th-century wallpaper and majolica portraits of notable Germans, commissioned by a German owner of the house.
The garden
The garden follows the shore for almost 2 km, from Varenna towards Fiumelatte. Its slopes are steep in places, with terraces, paths, sculptures, fountains and porticoes.
The mild lake climate allows plants from many parts of the world to grow here, and the collection includes more than 900 plants. Wisteria climbs the stairways down towards the lake, and roses are fragrant in some areas.
Flowering changes with the season. A visit in late June may find many spring flowers already finished.
Conference centre and events
Parts of the villa serve other purposes. The conference centre is known for physics lectures given by Enrico Fermi in 1954, and the Italian Physics Society still holds its courses at the villa each year.
The villa is also used for weddings. Civil or symbolic ceremonies can take place on the grounds, with indoor halls as a backup if the weather turns.
Getting there and getting around
Varenna is reached by ferry. From the boat dock, a lakeside walk leads into the village, past the medieval church of San Giorgio, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. From the main piazza, the road south leads to the villa.
Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi can be visited on a joined ticket. Varenna Esino railway station has connections to Milan.
The entrance, seating and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. One visitor found the garden hard going with a stroller.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. The garden alone and the garden with the house museum have different ticket prices, so check the official website for current prices. Buying tickets in advance is recommended.
How long do you need?
Plan 2 to 3 hours for the garden and house museum together. Two hours is enough for a relaxed walk through the garden.
Can you bring a dog?
Yes, the garden is dog-friendly.
Is the villa accessible?
The entrance, seating and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. One visitor found the garden hard going with a stroller.
When is the garden at its best?
Spring, when the garden begins to bloom. Late June can be past the main flowering.
